Overview
- Germany's security adviser Günter Sautter traveled to Paris Wednesday for an initial round of talks that media outlets say began concrete discussions on closer cooperation in nuclear deterrence.
- Reporters say the Bundeswehr would observe the conventional component of France's 'Poker' nuclear exercises, with a first German participation likely planned for September in an observer role.
- Official German spokespeople have not confirmed those operational details and describe the work as a continuing process with further steps to follow.
- Any reported German involvement would exclude handling nuclear weapons and focus on non‑nuclear support such as escort missions, air-to-air refuelling and access to information on French nuclear sites.
- France is seeking to expand the initiative beyond Germany to several European partners and President Macron's March plan for 'forward-directed' deterrence underpins the effort to build shared training and situational cooperation.